Sam Pritchard launches neuro-inclusive farm safety project

Sam Pritchard, founder of People in Paddocks and AgriFutures Rural Women's Award semi-finalist, has begun filming a series of training videos for her Safety Served Sweet project. Supported by Agriculture Victoria, the initiative aims to replace text-heavy safety procedures with short, spoken, and visual videos specifically designed for dyslexic and neurodivergent agricultural workers.

Pritchard noted that many neurodivergent workers in the industry fear disclosing their dyslexia due to potential teasing or career repercussions. The project seeks to remove barriers by utilizing the unique strengths of these workers, such as spatial awareness and lateral problem solving, while providing accessible safety instructions. The first nine of twenty-five planned videos cover topics including fatigue management, tractor operations, livestock handling, and chemical handling.